Troubled retailer Marks & Spencer is to cut4,390 jobs as part of a £2 billion sterlingrestructuring of its business. A company spokesman said today no Irish jobs are under threat.
The chain, which has seen its sales dive, is closing its subsidiaries in mainland Europe and shutting its Direct catalogue business.
The move will mean 3,350 job losses in Europe, and just over 1,000 in the UK, including 350 at the company's head office in Baker Street, central London.
The chain has four outlets in the Republic, but it is so far unclear whether jobs would be lost in any of these.
M&S chairman and chief executive Mr Luc Vandevelde unveiled the cuts as he launched a strategy to turnaround the retailer's fortunes.
He said M&S needed to be a "simpler, more focused" organisation.
The group is also selling off its Kings Super Markets and Brooks Brothers subsidiaries in the United States.
Mr Vandevelde said M&S would concentrate on putting in place a plan to revive its clothing ranges, and would expand in its growing product areas of food and home and beauty.
"These changes put in place a clear, thorough and urgent plan for recovery based on the UK business," he said.
"At the heart is a determination to restore an unquestioned reputation with our customers for quality, value, service and innovation."
PA